, 
8 ‘‘ ENDEAVOUR” SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. 
and the general distinctness of lines between the classes and 
orders, all tending to make a correct interpretation of the 
distribution at least hopefully feasible. Of course, we are 
just beginning to approach the problem and do not as yet 
know all of its factors, but the possibility of a solution cannot 
be fairly denied. The collections made by the ‘‘ Endeavour” 
have certainly thrown a flood of light on the composition of 
the Australian Echinoderm fauna, and hence bring us that 
much nearer to a knowledge of its origin. 
For the honour done me in entrusting these valuable 
collections to me, and for the privilege of studying them, I 
desire to express my thanks to the Minister of Trade and 
Customs of the Commonwealth of Australia, Honourable 
Frank Gwynne Tudor, and to the former Comptroller-General 
for Trade and Customs, Nicholas Lockyer, Esq., I.8.0., and, of 
course, to Mr. Robert Etheridge, Curator of the Australian 
Museum. Since my correspondence has been entirely with 
Mr. Etheridge, I cannot forbear the expression of my great 
appreciation of his uniform courtesy, consideration and 
patience. To collaborate with him in scientific work is 
indeed a great pleasure. 
II.—DESCRIPTION OF THE GENERA AND SPECIES. 
CRINOIDEA. 
The Crinoids collected by the ‘“ Endeavour” are of the 
greatest interest. There are two hundred and _ sixteen 
specimens, representing sixteen species, eight of which seem 
to be new to science, and ten genera, of which three have not 
previously been recorded from Australia. More than half the 
specimens (one hundred and forty-four) represent a single 
well-known species, while five species are represented by only 
a single specimen each, and five others by only two each. Of 
the eight species previously known to science, all have been 
recorded from Australia before, indeed seven of them are 
characteristic of the Australian fauna and only two have been 
reported outside this region. The ‘“‘ Endeavour ” collection 
extends, often very considerably, the known range of four of 
these eight species. Undoubtedly the magnificent new 
stalked crinoid from off the south-eastern corner of the 
continent is the most notable form taken, but the new species 
of Oreometra and Cosmiometra are very fine. The number of 
species of Crinoids now recorded from Australia is sixty-six, 
not including those taken in depths exceeding three hundred 
